The labor market in the U.S. showed resilience in 2024 despite the looming economic uncertainty amongst many Americans. According to the recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, approximately 2.2 million jobs were added in 2024 nationwide, showing an average monthly gain of 251,000 jobs. As of December, sectors that had a noticeable growth in the U.S. in 2024 were health care (+46,000), retail trade (+43,000), government (+33,000), leisure and hospitality (+43,000), and social assistance (+23,000). Last year’s unemployment rate in the country stood at 3.7% in January but rose slightly to 4.1% by December. The latest data from the Census Bureau (2023) revealed that the median household income was $77,719, marking a 4% increase from $74,755 from the prior year. The housing and labor markets are closely linked, as employment trends have an influence on real estate conditions. 

Virginia  

In December of 2024, there were 4.3 million jobs across the commonwealth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 68,900 added throughout the year in the state, reflecting a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year. The unemployment rate in the state was 3% in January, decreased to 2.7% during the summer, and then rose again to 3% by the end of the year. According to the Census Bureau, the median household income in Virginia was $89,931 in 2023, which is 4.7% higher than the year before.  

All metro areas reported positive net job growth at the end of December 2024. Populated markets such as Charlottesville (+3.4%), Richmond (+2.7%), Northern Virginia (+1.8%), and Virginia Beach (+1.5%) added more jobs than they had earlier that year in January.  

Sectors 

The healthcare sector showed robust growth not only across the country but in Virginia. This industry added 21,400 jobs throughout the commonwealth in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The Richmond metro area added 8,600 healthcare jobs in 2024, marking significant growth for the region. Northern Virginia reported 4,700 additional healthcare jobs, while Virginia Beach saw an increase of 3,200. Several industries in Virginia experienced significant job growth in 2024. In particular, the transportation and warehousing sector added 15,800 jobs, the leisure and hospitality sector saw an increase